2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate – new S214 offers more boot space, interior room; mild hybrid & PHEV

A few months after the debut of the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the W214 is now being joined by its station wagon sibling, the E-Class Estate. The new S214 model comes with many of the sedan’s features but offers more practicality thanks to its long-roof body style.

In terms of dimensions, the new E-Class Estate is larger compared to the outgoing S213, measuring in at 4,949 mm long (+4 mm), 1,880 mm wide (+28 mm), 1,469 mm tall (+1 mm) and with a wheelbase that spans 2,961 mm (+22 mm). The increased width is also accompanied by wider tracks, with the one at the front now at 1,634 mm (+30 mm), while the rear is 1,651 mm (+38 mm).

The bigger body results in improved interior space, particularly for those seated in the rear. According to the German carmaker, rear legroom and elbow room have been increased to 934 mm (+15 mm) and 1,519 mm (+25 mm) respectively, while shoulder room is now at 1,460 mm (+10 mm).

Minimum boot space is reduced when compared to the S213, although it’s still more than the sedan model that offers 540 litres. Non-plug-in hybrid variants of the E-Class Estate offer 615 litres (-25 litres), while plug-in hybrid variants have 460 litres (-20 litres) – this is when the 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench is in its default position.

However, maximum boot space has gone up, with standard combustion engine variants packing as much as 1,830 litres (+10 litres) when the rear bench is folded down, while plug-in hybrid variants offer 1,675 litres (+15 litres). To make cargo loading convenient, the E-Class Estate comes standard with an electric folding system for the rear seats as well as an Easy-Pack powered tailgate. For towing, the vehicle supports of 2100 kg (braked) or 750 kg (unbraked).

When the station wagon goes in sale in Europe, it will initially be offered in three variants, starting with the E200 that features a M254 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder developing 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm.

The engine is augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system where an integrated starter-generator (ISG) provides an e-boost of 23 PS (23 hp or 17 kW) and 205 Nm. This mild hybrid system is also applied to the diesel-powered E220d that features an OM654M 2.0 litre turbodiesel four-cylinder rated at 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) at 3,600 rpm and 440 Nm from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.

There’s also the E300e plug-in hybrid that pairs the M254 with a more powerful electric motor which provides 129 PS (127 hp or 95 kW) and 440 Nm for a total system output of 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 550 Nm. The electric motor is connected to a 25.4-kWh battery pack that sits behind the rear seats – hence the lower boot space – providing an all-electric range of between 95 and 113 km.

The electric motor, power electronics and transmission cooler have now moved into or to the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, which is standard for all variants. Performance-wise, the E200 takes 7.8 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h and will hit a top speed of 231 km/h, while the E220d isn’t far behind with figures of 7.9 seconds and 230 km/h. The E300e is the fastest accelerating of the bunch with a century sprint time of 6.5 seconds, but its top speed is the least at 227 km/h. Mercedes-Benz will add inline-six engines to the range in the future, some of which are electrified.

All E-Class Estate variants have single-chamber air suspension on the rear axle, with the mild hybrids coming standard with an Agility Control steel spring setup and selective damping. As an option, all-round Airmatic air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping is also available.

As for styling, the E-Class Estate looks pretty much identical to the sedan until the end of the front doors. The face is visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models, with a black panel-like surface linking the grille with the headlamps that can be upgraded to the Digital Light system from the standard LED High Performance.

All trims (Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG Line) can be optioned with an illuminated grille to add to the visual flair, which is already pretty notable with those taillights that bear a star motif. Other cues include roof rails and wheel sizes go all the way up to 21 inches.

The interior is the same as the sedan, with the highlight being the optional MBUX Superscreen that comes in Premium and Premium Plus variants, the latter adding a touchscreen ahead of the front passenger to join the central one in the middle and digital instrument cluster.

All the features you’d expect of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) are here, including the Hey Mercedes voice assistant, augmented reality for navigation, Interior Assistant, streaming services, personalisation, Mercedes me Store and in-car apps (TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, Vivaldi and Pocket Casts). The Digital Vehicle Key also allows you to share your car with up to 16 people carrying a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch.

Other available features are Energizing Comfort, a 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, sound visualisation and Thermotronic four-zone climate control with digital vent control (Thermatic two-zone is standard).

Driver assistance systems that are included with the E-Class Estate are Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera and Speed Limit Assist. For extra functionality, buyers can option the Driving Assistance Package Plus that adds Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist Distronic, junction start-off, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Pre-Safe Plus.

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